Summary

The website content is a personal narrative detailing Dennett's Photo-a-Day Challenge, which captures daily life and nature through photographs and brief descriptions, marking the end of a period of isolation with the arrival of family.

Abstract

Dennett's week, as documented through the Photo-a-Day Challenge, is filled with observations of the natural world, from windy days and swaying Spanish Moss to the romantic encounters of Muscovy Ducks and the vibrant green hues of nature under the sun. The narrative includes sightings of various birds, including an Eastern Bluebird and its adolescent, a Brown-Headed Cowbird, and mating Northern Cardinals. The highlight of the week is the reunion with family after a long period of self-isolation, coinciding with the author's first venture into Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens, an outdoor venue chosen to ensure safety amid rising virus numbers. The author expresses joy at meeting the newest grandchild and cautious optimism about opening up to the world after vaccinations. The challenge, initially started on Snapshots, has now moved to Weeds & Wildflowers, inviting others to share their daily observations and stories.

Opinions

The author finds the windy days a notable change from the previously still, torrid air, suggesting a possible impact of global warming.
Dennett humorously comments on the Muscovy Ducks' frequent romantic encounters on the patio, indicating a fond yet amused observation of nature's routines.
The author shows a keen interest in birdwatching, taking pride in identifying an Eastern Bluebird and its young, and expressing excitement about a first-time Brown-Headed Cowbird sighting.
There is a sense of awe and appreciation for the massive clouds and early summer heat in Florida, despite the calendar indicating otherwise.
The narrative conveys a special bond with nature, as evidenced by the author's excitement over capturing a mating pair of Northern Cardinals on the ground.
The author values family greatly, as shown by the emotional reunion after years of separation and the careful preparation to welcome them, including a heart-shaped towel arrangement by the housekeeper.
Dennett expresses concern about the pandemic, noting the contrast between Florida's approach to the virus and the home state of the visiting family, but finds comfort in the vaccination status of the family members.
The transition of the Photo-a-Day Challenge from Snapshots to Weeds & Wildflowers is presented as an opportunity for more freedom in sharing photos and stories, with an open invitation for others to join.
The author's tone throughout the piece is one of reflection, appreciation, and cautious optimism, balancing the joys of reconnecting with family and nature with the ongoing concerns of a global health crisis.

© Dennett ~ Sunday, May 1, 2022 ~ **Swaying**

Photo-a-Day Challenge

Ending Isolation

My week in photos

Not sure if it’s a result of global warming, but our days are windy more often than not. We used to melt in torrid, still air. Now, the Spanish Moss (which is neither Spanish nor moss) only stops swaying at night.

© Dennett ~ Monday, May 2, 2022 ~ **Nooky**

Word on the lake is that our patio is the new romantic hot spot for Muscovy Ducks. Sadly, the Mrs. doesn’t seem to enjoy having her beak pushed into concrete!

Last week, it was squirrels in a tree, and now, these ducks. Update: it’s these ducks — over and over again. I mean really, Tobies, get a room!!

© Dennett ~ Monday, May 2, 2022 ~ **Lots of Green**

In the brilliant sun on Monday, Nature’s green pulsated with light.

© Dennett ~ Tuesday, May 3, 2022 ~ **Kin**

I easily identified the larger of these birds as an Eastern Bluebird but was unsure about the smaller one. My research informed me that it’s an adolescent Eastern Bluebird, which was logical since the birds are sitting side-by-side.

© Dennett ~ Wednesday, May 4, 2022 ~ **Marshmallows**

The massive clouds in Florida are amazing, especially in the summer. And, yes, folks, it’s already summer here, despite what my calendar says. We’ve hit 90F a few times already, and I had to give in and use the air conditioner!

© Dennett ~ Wednesday, May 4, 2022 ~ **New discovery**

Above is my first sighting and photo of a Brown-Head Cowbird!

© Dennett ~ Wednesday, May 4, 2022 ~ **Doublet**

I see Northern Cardinals all the time. Rarely do I see a mating couple on the ground together, staying still long enough for a photo. Females are especially skittish and difficult to photograph. I liked that these photos clearly show their masks, especially the male’s prominent black one, stark against his brilliant red.

© Dennett ~ Thursday, May 5, 2022 ~ **Alert**

On our walk, Syau and I saw this lovely kitty keeping a close eye on us.

© Dennett ~ Friday, May 6, 2022 ~ **Welcoming**

Our self-isolation ended Friday when my daughter and her family flew to Florida for Mother’s Day. I hadn’t seen them in almost three years and finally met my new granddaughter who was born last summer. I don’t publish photos of family, other than Captain Argentina, and most of my photos Friday were of them. But, I did get the picture above of the welcoming heart of towels that our housekeeper created to greet my family when they arrived.

© Dennett ~ Saturday, May 7, 2022 ~ **Tranquility**

On Saturday we went to Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens, which is about 25 miles from my house. Since my daughter and her family live in a state that’s very virus-conscious and Florida is the opposite (Our governor chose to mostly ignore the pandemic as hundreds of thousands died and even made mask mandates in counties and cities illegal.) our outings were only outdoors. Cedar Lakes was the perfect location to enjoy nature and maintain a safe distance from people.

© Dennett ~ Saturday, May 7, 2022 ~ **Escape**

© Dennett ~ Saturday, May 7, 2022 ~ **Tropical**

It was both exciting and a little scary to have guests after so long in semi-isolation. I was thrilled to see my family and to meet my newest granddaughter, but I also worried about everyone’s well-being as virus numbers begin to climb again. However, we are all vaccinated (except the baby, of course) and it was a joy to have hugs from my older grandchildren and to hold the youngest. I guess it was time to crack the door to the outside world— a little.

© Dennett ~ Saturday, May 7, 2022 ~ **Opening**

My week was one of preparation, reception, and celebration. How about yours?

In July 2020, I started the Photo-a-Day Challenge on Snapshots to help combat the virus blues. I take photos every day and choose one (maybe, two or three) to represent the day. Then add a one-or-two-word descriptor and some narrative. A simple way to observe and preserve.

However, the Snapshot Editors have decided to replace the Photo-a-Day Challenge with a monthly one, so Weeds & Wildflowers is now the official home of this challenge. If you want to participate and are not a writer for W&W, leave a response below, and I’ll add you.

Please note that Weeds & Wildflowers does not have the same word and photo limits as Snapshots.

Want to join the fun? It’s all about noticing and appreciating your environment and sharing it with us, as these photographers and story-tellers have:

Erika Burkhalter / Eileen Vorbach Collins / Anne Bonfert / Sasha Meyer / Tracy Aston/ Lisa Bolin / Juan O. Aguilera / David Wade Chambers / June Nguyen / Mia Verita / Susan Alison / LensAfield / Barbara Radisavljevic / Diana Lotti / Barbara Dalton / Kim Zuch / K. Barrett / Sandra Barrett / Shruthi Sundaram / Gustavo Mendez / Olive Wilson / Jane Frost (Jane Grows Garden Rooms) / Jillian Amatt / Scott Younkin / Penny Grubb / Vinitha Dileep

(If you participated in the Photo-A-Day Challenge and your name isn’t listed above, please let me know.)

Thanks!

Dennett